Editorial note: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not financial advice. FOMC dates listed are based on the Federal Reserve’s official published schedule. Always verify at federalreserve.gov. Last updated: May 16, 2026.
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is the monetary policy decision-making body of the U.S. Federal Reserve. The FOMC meets eight times per year to set the federal funds rate target, which influences borrowing costs, bond yields, equity valuations, and the strength of the U.S. dollar.
2026 FOMC Meeting Calendar
| Meeting Dates | Rate Decision Release | Press Conference | Minutes Published (~3 wks after) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 27–28, 2026 | January 28, 2:00 PM ET | Yes | ~February 18, 2026 |
| March 17–18, 2026 | March 18, 2:00 PM ET | Yes (dot plot) | ~April 8, 2026 |
| April 28–29, 2026 | April 29, 2:00 PM ET | Yes | ~May 20, 2026 |
| June 9–10, 2026 | June 10, 2:00 PM ET | Yes (dot plot) | ~July 1, 2026 |
| July 28–29, 2026 | July 29, 2:00 PM ET | Yes | ~August 19, 2026 |
| September 15–16, 2026 | September 16, 2:00 PM ET | Yes (dot plot) | ~October 7, 2026 |
| October 27–28, 2026 | October 28, 2:00 PM ET | Yes | ~November 18, 2026 |
| December 8–9, 2026 | December 9, 2:00 PM ET | Yes (dot plot) | ~December 30, 2026 |
Official source: federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomccalendars.htm. Always verify directly with the Federal Reserve.
What Happens at an FOMC Meeting?
Each FOMC meeting spans two days. On the second day at 2:00 PM ET, the Fed releases its rate decision and a policy statement. The Fed Chair holds a press conference at 2:30 PM ET. Approximately three weeks later, detailed meeting minutes are published, providing more context on the internal debate.
What Markets Watch at FOMC Meetings
| Signal | What to Track | Market Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rate decision | Hike, cut, or hold; size in basis points | Immediate move in bonds, equities, FX |
| Policy statement language | Changes in key phrases; hawkish vs. dovish shift | Bond yields and equity sector rotation |
| Dot plot (quarterly) | Individual FOMC member rate projections | Reprices future rate expectations |
| Economic projections (quarterly) | GDP, unemployment, inflation (PCE) forecasts | Macro growth and inflation narrative |
| Press conference tone | Chair language on inflation progress and labor market | Intraday volatility; shapes narrative |
Dot Plot vs. Regular Meetings
Four of the eight annual meetings are “dot plot” meetings (March, June, September, December) where the Fed releases updated GDP, unemployment, inflation, and rate path projections. Dot plot meetings tend to generate larger market reactions because they reveal where the median FOMC member expects rates to go over the next several years.
CME FedWatch Tool
The CME Group’s FedWatch tool calculates implied probability of different rate outcomes at future FOMC meetings based on federal funds futures prices. Available at CME FedWatch.
What Would Change the Rate Decision Outlook?
- Significantly hotter-than-expected CPI or PCE could delay rate cuts
- A significant jump in unemployment could accelerate rate cuts
- A financial stability event could trigger emergency action
- Unexpected GDP contraction or expansion shifts the Fed’s dual mandate balance
Related EskiSignal Guides
- CPI Release Dates 2026: Inflation Report Schedule
- Interest Rates: Fed Path, Rate Cuts and Market Pricing
- Bond Yields and Yield Curve: Treasury Signals Explained
FAQ
When is the next Fed meeting in 2026?
Check the table above. Always verify the confirmed date at federalreserve.gov.
What time is the FOMC rate decision released?
2:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on the second day of the meeting. Press conference at 2:30 PM ET.
Is this financial advice?
No. This article is for informational and educational purposes only.
Sources checked: Federal Reserve FOMC calendar (federalreserve.gov), CME Group FedWatch Tool (cmegroup.com), Federal Reserve Board meeting minutes archive.
